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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Generation Opportunity today released data specifically on Independent voters from their comprehensive Maine-specific survey of young adults ages 18-29. The poll found that 76 percent of Independent Millennials in Maine plan to vote in the presidential election, only 22 percent believe the country is headed in the right direction, and 85 percent say key life decisions have been delayed by the poor national economy. The poll also found that of the "Get Out the Vote" (GOTV) reminder tools that will have an impact on Independent young voter turnout in Maine, Facebook was ranked most effective at 42 percent. Only 9 percent of Maine's Independent Millennials thought a phone call would be effective – a clear indication that smartphones and other mobile devices have reached a point of heavy market penetration within the demographic.

Generation Opportunity has over 4 million fans on Facebook and direct grassroots engagement with over a quarter million young Americans. The organization has over 20,000 followers across the state of Maine developed through social media and grassroots activities. In addition to releasing Maine poll results, Generation Opportunity has launched the Pledge to GO Vote Campaign aimed at further increasing the already growing enthusiasm and interest among young adults to participate in the presidential election. Generation Opportunity is encouraging its Maine supporters, their friends, and all those within their networks to Pledge to GO Vote. Read more about the initiative and sign the pledge here at GenerationOpportunity.org/vote.

76% of 18-29 year old Maine Independents plan to vote in the election for President this year.

Only 22% believe that today's political leaders reflect the interests of young Americans.

Only 22% agree with the statement "generally speaking, things in the United States are heading in the right direction."

58% are not confident that America will still be a global leader in five years if the USA continues along the same path as the last few years.

49% agreed they will learn more about the policy positions of the presidential candidates in 2012 than they did in 2008.

Which will be the more important to you in casting your vote for President in 2012?

60% - A candidate's position on issues and a record in public office;

5% - A candidate's personal characteristics, like charisma and likeability;

29% - They are of equal importance (accepted only this response);

6% - Neither is important / something else;

0% - Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

Which of the following, if any, would make young people more likely to vote? (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized): 42% - Facebook reminder message; 38% - Text message reminder; 26% - Email reminder; 39% - Public service announcement; 9% - Phone call; 23% - None of the above (accepted only this response); 4% - Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

MAINE'S INDEPENDENT YOUNG ADULTS – IMPACT OF THE POOR ECONOMY ON CAREERS AND DREAMS

75% of Independent Millennials in Maine believe that the lack of job opportunities is shrinking the American middle class.

85% had planned to but now might delay or not make at all a major life change or move forward on a major purchase due to the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized): 41% - Buy their own place; 36% - Go back to school/getting more education or training; 21% - Start a family; 33% - Pay off student loans or other debt; 27% - Change jobs/cities; 36% - Save for retirement; 22% - Get married; 12% - None of the above (accepted only this response); 3% - Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

STATEMENT BY PAUL T. CONWAY, PRESIDENT OF GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

"Maine's Independent young adult voters are highly concerned about the direction of the country, the growing national debt and federal spending, and the lack of meaningful, full-time jobs. They have grown increasingly disappointed by elected leaders in Washington, D.C., who are out of touch with their concerns and who have shown little empathy for their stalled careers and delayed dreams. For the 2012 election, they will make their decision for president based on which candidate's agenda leads to full-time, meaningful jobs and an end to the status quo many young Mainers have endured – a status quo defined by periods of unemployment, underemployment, and part-time jobs," said Paul T. Conway, President of Generation Opportunity and former Chief of Staff of the United States Department of Labor under Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Mr. Conway, a graduate of Belfast Area High School and the University of Maine, has a deep background in Maine public policy.

METHODOLOGY

For Generation Opportunity, the polling company, inc./WomanTrend, conducted a statewide online survey of 401 Maine adults ages 18-29 between July 27 – August 14, 2012. Randomly selected online opt-in panel participants were sent an invitation to the survey via email, which included a secure link to the online questionnaire. Quotas were used to ensure the survey was representative of the larger 18-29 year old statewide population with regard to race, region, and gender. The data were NOT weighted. The overall sampling margin of error for the survey is ±4.9% at a 95% confidence interval, meaning that the data obtained would not differ more than 4.9 percentage points in 95 out of 100 similar samples obtained. Independent voters comprised 24% of the total sample.

ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

Generation Opportunity is the largest non-profit, non-partisan organization in the United States engaging and mobilizing young Americans (ages 18-29) on important economic issues facing the nation. Since its launch in June of 2011, Generation Opportunity has operated on a combined strategy of advanced social media tactics and field tactics to reach young Americans across the country.

Generation Opportunity is actively organizing young adults across America through grassroots tactics, voter registration, and voter turnout efforts in states like Ohio, Virginia, Maine, North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida, engaging over a quarter million young adults. The organization's social media platforms have amassed a total fan base ofmore than 4 million. Facebook pages post links to relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.